Starting

Stiglet

Newbie
Joined
Jul 27, 2024
Points
3
Hello.
I’ve had my Z3M Roadster for a long long time, but unfortunately it has been in my garage for three years, without starting or moving.
Now I need to get it back on the road, but I am concerned about just getting in and starting it.
Would you recommend turning it over without starting, if so, how can I do this?
I use to be a mechanic on BT, servicing and repairing Morris Minors, so I am at a loss if it doesn’t have points and a condenser.
Any help would be appreciated.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
You could pull the coil pack leads off or the fuel pump fuse. I would drop the oil first and replace.
 

ExMX5owner

Moderator
Staff member
Global Moderator
Supporter
Australian Zeds
Joined
Aug 31, 2022
Points
126
Location
Queensland, Australia
Model of Z
99 2.0
Agree with Nodzed, pump fuse is easier... The fuel could be a bit iffy after such a long time too, consider that one as well. 👍
 

Shelly

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Points
201
Location
Norfolk
Model of Z
Z4 2.0 20i M Sport sDrive

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Take the plugs out and squirt some oil into the cylinders, not too much just so it gives some lube to the piston rings when you turn it over with the coils disconnected and fuel pump fuse pulled. Once its been turned over ensure oil is at right level,and cool,ant leve, good shout to drain and change it as well as the filter before putting the plugs back in and connecting coils and pump fuse. With a fully charged battery start the car. Don't be surprised if it runs rough, the rubber intake boots will have degraded over their idle time sitting there for 3 years so you may have air leaks from holes or splits in any of the rubber hoses across the engine. Same for oil leaks, gaskets may have gone bad from age.
Arm yourself with a Code Reader/Scanner if you have noit yet got one and remember you will need a 20pin to 16pin OBD2 cable changer to plug the scanner into the round 20pin socket in the engine bay. The Creator 310+ or 410+ are capable scanners available on ebay and Amazon.
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 & 3.0 Sport
Hi and :welcome: to the forum from me too in Stafford. I'm sure she'll start up fine:thumbsup:
 
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